Jokic, Nuggets Beat Kings 130-124

Nikola Jokic scored a season-high 34 points with 14 assists, seven rebounds and several steals/blocks to lift the Denver Nuggets to a 130-124 win over the Sacramento Kings. Denver never trailed, building a strong first half and holding on in the fourth as Jokic closed the game; Christian Braun had a season-best 21 and Aaron Gordon added 20 while Jamal Murray finished with 15 despite a cold three-point night. Russell Westbrook returned to Denver for the Kings and posted 26 points and 12 rebounds, with DeMar DeRozan scoring 19 and Domantas Sabonis grabbing 17 rebounds, but Sacramento still fell short. Coach David Adelman’s plan to get Jokic early paid off — Jokic attacked inside against Sabonis/Eubanks and hit 4-of-10 threes when Sacramento went zone, finishing efficient and creative. Denver also leaned on depth, including an early bench unit, to manage starters’ minutes and extend its recent dominance over Sacramento.